COUNCIL staff are being subjected to abuse by angry residents questioning why green spaces are still being watered in Basildon in the midst of a drought.

Basildon Council is urging residents not to confront park staff who are watering cricket strips and bowling greens as part of their role.

A reminder was issued on social media earlier this week amid reports “disparaging”

remarks are being directed at staff.

It comes as a drought was officially declared across Essex and the rest of the east of England following the driest summer for 50 years.

Last week, shocking photos showed reduced water levels at Hanningfield Reservoir, located between Billericay and Chelmsford, after England’s driest eight months from November to June since 1976.

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, said: “A number of people have been commenting and making disparaging comments about it.

“People were going up to the park staff in person and making comments about how we are in a drought, why are they wasting water, and comments about how it’s typical of the council.

“We put out a message on Facebook as we wanted to make sure it didn’t escalate, the staff raised it and this was the approach we took.”

He added: “No matter what line of work someone is in nobody should be getting flack.

“It shouldn’t happen but it seems some people think they can shout out, be rude and abuse others without consequence.”

Water firms are urging customers to use supplies sparingly, but Essex and Suffolk Water has so far refused to enforce a hosepipe ban in the county.

Laindon grandmother Pat Rackley, 72, has defended the council for continuing to water parks and sports facilities.

She said: “It would be a big cost to replace these strips and greens and it would also see loss of income too.

“These staff are just doing their jobs and I do feel for them.

“I do not think any workers should be subject to abuse, but I can see the frustration when are encouraged not to water our gardens.”